EssentiaI Agreements: Grades K -12 AISB EngIish / Language Arts

Department
What do we beIieve about curricuIum? Our curricuIum...
serves as the organizing foundation for teachers.
is learner-centered.
is periodically revised, but is never a final draft.
What do we believe about learning? Underpinning teaching practices at all grade
levels is an understanding that...
student learning will be at the center of all activities.
process is as important as product.
explicit, frequent, informational feedback is essential for student progress.
students need explicit instruction in vocabulary and reading strategies.
students thrive in a safe and motivating environment.
empowering students to make choices encourages them to assume greater ownership
and responsibility for their engagement in learning.
We are all life-long learners.
What do we beIieve about assessment? Our assessment...
informs instruction.
informs learners in identifying what they can do, determines the strategies that
supported their learning, and sets goals for future experiences.
is aligned with specific benchmarks.
criteria are clear to students at the beginning of each unit of study.
involves regular student self-assessment of progress.
last revised May, 2011
What do we beIieve about content? Our content...
exposes students to a wide variety of texts and formats to better understand the world
around them.
inspires a love of literature and language.
is aligned to the standards and benchmarks.
What do we beIieve about instruction? Our instruction...
is differentiated to meet the diversity of student needs through scaffolded direct
instruction, and independent, self-directed learning
models effective writing techniques, and provide frequent writing opportunities
provides exemplars from a variety of written sources
always has the end in mind, focusing on enduring understandings and essential
questions.
develops students reading, writing, oral, listening, and critical thinking skills.
What do we beIieve about professionaI community? A professionaI
community...
supports & collaborates with one another as a community of learners and practioners.
invests time, energy, and resources to develop knowledgeable literacy teachers, over
the use of scripted programs, particular approaches, or materials.
positively advocates for students learning.
welcomes diversity of opinions.
fosters respect for one another.
engages in ongoing professional development.
commits to revisit this document annually.